At Ground Level | 51 years of impunity: legacy of martial law
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At Ground Level | 51 years of impunity: legacy of martial law
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Balik-Tanaw | The Parable of the Vineyard Workers and the plight of migrant workers
Balik-Tanaw | The Parable of the Vineyard Workers and the plight of migrant workers
In 2021, the Philippine Statistic Authority estimates that about 1.83 million OFWs worked abroad from April to September of the same year. The same data reveal that about “four in every ten” OFWs work low-status or ‘elementary’ jobs, such as street vendors, construction and factory workers, cleaners, domestic helpers, and agriculture laborers. They are the hired workers, doing the 3Ds works, (dirty, dangerous, and demeaning). It was recorded that the majority of OFWs work in Asia, specifically Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, Kuwait, Singapore, and Qatar.
First Person | An intern’s random thoughts during the martial law commemoration coverage
First Person | An intern’s random thoughts during the martial law commemoration coverage
The 51st Martial Law commemoration protest in Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila on Thursday was a deeply moving experience that went beyond my duties as an intern at Bulatlat.
Exposing the NTF-ELCAC and military
Exposing the NTF-ELCAC and military
What we witnessed is the bravery of two environmental defenders in the face of outright repression.
At Ground Level | Global rights groups assail terror law misuse
At Ground Level | Global rights groups assail terror law misuse
Following Marcos Jr.’s approval of the National Security Policy (NSP) 2023-2028 on Aug. 12, progressive people’s organizations and the human rights community are increasingly protesting the continued threats, including red-tagging, vilification and actual attacks on the country’s human rights defenders and activists.
Balik-Tanaw | But who do you say that I am?
Balik-Tanaw | But who do you say that I am?
This Sunday’s readings are focused on three issues: first, on authority (Is 22:19-23), second, on knowledge of God (Rom 11:33-3), third, on the identity of Jesus (Mt 16:13-20). At first glance, they seem to be unrelated to one another, but on deep examination, they are really pointing to a single direction. And that is, the way to our salvation. The mission of Jesus as leading us the WAY, seeking out the TRUTH and urging us to aspire for what is truly LIFE-GIVING. These three related important values in life fully capture this salvation framework.
First Person | One year in detention
First Person | One year in detention
Jail, after all, is not exempt from society’s great divide based on economic and social status. And even here, the movement for freedom and democracy considers our situation as part of the struggle.
Balik-Tanaw | Maintaining the balanced faith
Balik-Tanaw | Maintaining the balanced faith
Our gospel reading today made me recall one of the gymnastic events in the Olympics called pommel horse. This is a sport that requires balance, strength, flexibility, agility, coordination, and endurance. One of the top athletes of this sport is Krisztián Berki of Hungary.
At Ground Level | Efforts vs. Manila Bay reclamation push on
At Ground Level | Efforts vs. Manila Bay reclamation push on
For many years, scientists and environmental advocates have cautioned the government against approving more proposals for land reclamation and coastal development projects in Manila Bay. The historic bay, they emphasize, is unsuitable for such projects because of the risks posed by floods, intensified typhoon-induced storm surges and other related consequences.
Lab Notes | Manila Bay reclamation and the Baseco community
Lab Notes | Manila Bay reclamation and the Baseco community
Science and development should consider the actual conditions experienced on the ground and prioritize projects that genuinely benefit communities. The situation in Baseco is not an isolated incident but rather a problem prevalent in various parts of the country.
First Person | How we lived since that Jagged Little Pill
First Person | How we lived since that Jagged Little Pill
And perhaps, each generation is just defined by vastly different things that represent particular socio-political, cultural, and technological moments.
Balik-Tanaw | Mountaintop experience
Balik-Tanaw | Mountaintop experience
Resurrection is revealed through the transfiguration moment of Jesus. The historical figures of Moses and Elijah appeared – reminding and reconnecting the disciples about the historic role of Moses and Elijah in Israel’s life. The glorious image of the two is a historical reminder of their great roles in the history of Israel. Jesus was talking to the great men of Israel, and likewise, the disciples saw his glory.
At Ground Level | Protests to build up in Marcos Jr’s second year
At Ground Level | Protests to build up in Marcos Jr’s second year
A people’s counter-SONA protest action, noticeably broader and bigger than that of the previous year, presaged bigger and broader protests during Marcos Jr’s second year in Malacañang.
Tinig Migrante | Not all migrant workers
Tinig Migrante | Not all migrant workers
For many Filipino migrant workers abroad, advancements in technology have been able to provide comfort as they navigate the long and painful separation from their children, spouses, and parents back in the Philippines. They can check if their children have done their homework, watch their graduation ceremony live, virtually join a family reunion or birthday celebration, or share a prayer with their ailing mother or father. Smartphones, the internet and social media have become essential tools in their lives as migrants. For most Filipino migrants, visits back to their home provinces are expensive, and these are not even possible for many undocumented OFWs.
Lab Notes | Fraudulent activities via SIM registration
Lab Notes | Fraudulent activities via SIM registration
Marginalized populations, such as those without official identification documents or those who cannot pay to register, may be disproportionately affected by SIM registration requirements. This may result in their exclusion from necessary communication services and further marginalized groups that are already at risk.
Balik-Tanaw | Of treasures and salvation: How costly is to aspire for God’s kingdom?
Balik-Tanaw | Of treasures and salvation: How costly is to aspire for God’s kingdom?
In the midst of the onslaught of Typhoon Egay (Doksuri) that hit tremendously the northern provinces of the Philippines, I saw this FB post from a high school batchmate. As I continue to browse the social media, she posted another another one, lamenting and telling to God to hug her as she feels weak. Apparently, the 3 cows she owned have been missing as the typhoon begun to strike our home province Abra. My friend is currently in Hong Kong, serving as a domestic worker for the past several years.
At Ground Leve l Criminal justice system is working… for whom?
At Ground Leve l Criminal justice system is working… for whom?
It’s generally conceded that the Philippine criminal justice system grinds exceedingly slow. But for the Marcos Jr. administration, the system has been working well after just one year of the family’s being back in Malacañang.
My experience as a folding biker and bimodal commuter in Metro Manila
My experience as a folding biker and bimodal commuter in Metro Manila
The fun of biking is undercut by the constant reminder that our roads are unsafe. Major thoroughfares may have bike lanes but this is wishful thinking in most secondary roads. Bike lanes are merely a slim extension of existing roads where potholes, manholes, and even open drainages are often located. It is used too as an emergency lane and frequently “patronized” by motorcycle riders.
#SONA2023: Military, police on defensive, NTF-ELCAC unmentioned
#SONA2023: Military, police on defensive, NTF-ELCAC unmentioned
After the SONA, the likes of Jeff Celiz, Lorraine Badoy Partosa, and NTF-ELCAC mouthpieces look like "kulang sa yakap" from Marcos. They don't have SONA soundbites to misuse.
First Person | The making of the ‘Doble Kara’ effigy
First Person | The making of the ‘Doble Kara’ effigy
The burning of effigies dates back to the dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr.’s rule. Burning effigies has become a regular staple during major protests in the Philippines.
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